Law Enforcement Injury Lawyer in Owings Mills, MD
The work of a police officer in Maryland comes with the possibility of harm. At any given moment, a law enforcement professional may encounter a situation that endangers their health or life.
While every police officer enters their profession recognizing these risks, they are still entitled to receive compensation and support if they suffer injuries on the job – regardless of whether it’s an act of violence or a simple accident.
However, securing the benefits they deserve for their injuries can often be more challenging than it should be. Confusing bureaucratic processes and red tape can leave injured law enforcement officers frustrated and overwhelmed when they are simply trying to get the help they need.
Working with an Owings Mills law enforcement injury lawyer can remove the stress of pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit so you can focus on your recovery. The legal team at Cohen & Dwin, P.A., has the knowledge and skills to handle all aspects of work-related injury claims for Maryland police officers. Our attorneys are ready to fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a police officer injury attorney in Owings Mills.
Why Injured Cops in Owings Mills Need Our Work Injury Lawyers
When an on-duty injury occurs, injured law enforcement officers deserve the best legal representation to help them secure the workers’ compensation benefits and other money they need.
The complex claims process can be confusing and intimidating. Having an experienced lawyer to handle all aspects of the case helps injured cops focus on their recovery rather than paperwork.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of obtaining favorable settlements and maximum compensation for injured police officers and other workers.
Injuries Owings Mills Officers Sustain in the Line of Duty
Some of the most common serious injuries suffered by police officers in Owings Mills and elsewhere include:
- Blunt-force trauma from physical assaults that can cause broken bones, concussions, internal bleeding, and other severe injuries
- Gunshot and stab wounds from armed confrontations
- Hearing loss and tinnitus from close-range gunfire
- Back and joint injuries from physically restraining suspects
- PTSD and emotional distress from traumatic events
- Respiratory issues from smoke inhalation during fires or chemical exposure at crime scenes
- Car accident injuries during high-speed pursuits
- Heart conditions triggered by the unusually stressful circumstances of police work
Police officers can also suffer other injuries that are common in many types of work.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Police Officers in Owings Mills
When a Maryland police officer suffers an injury in the line of duty, they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can provide partial income replacement if the officer’s injury prevents them from working. Furthermore, these benefits also cover the medical expenses they incur due to their work-related injuries.
Special workers’ compensation provisions apply to police officers due to the dangerous nature of their jobs. Depending on their injuries and the circumstances, they may be eligible to claim more benefits than most workers have access to. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can explain your rights during a free initial consultation.
Police Officer Personal Injury Claims
In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, injured police officers may be eligible to file a personal injury claim if a third party was at fault for their losses. These claims can allow the officer to recover full compensation for lost income, as well as money for less tangible losses such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Examples of situations where third-party injury claims could arise include:
- Car accidents – If a negligent driver caused an accident leading to the police officer’s injuries, the officer can file a claim to hold the at-fault motorist accountable.
- Premises liability – Property owners and occupiers have a responsibility to keep their properties free from hazards to visitors. If an officer is injured in an accident related to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, they can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.
- Product liability – Police officers sometimes suffer injuries due to faulty products, such as firearms with defective safety devices or automotive defects, for example. In such cases, the injured cop can file a claim against the product’s manufacturer.
Our experienced Owings Mills police officer injury attorneys are ready to thoroughly explore your legal options for a third-party personal injury claim to maximize the compensation you recover.
Disability Benefits for Owings Mills Police Officers
In addition to workers’ compensation payments, disabled police officers may qualify for other long-term benefits. These can provide income stability and help cover ongoing medical costs. Benefits an injured Owings Mills officer may be eligible for include:
- Disability retirement pensions to replace lost income
- Social Security disability benefits if the injury prevents working for over a year
- Long-term disability insurance offered as part of employment benefits
- VA disability benefits for officers who are military veterans
What to Do If You’re a Police Officer Injured at Work
If you’ve suffered an injury while on duty as a police officer, here are some steps to take:
- Get emergency medical treatment and follow through with the treatment plan.
- Report the injury to your supervisor to document it officially.
- Maintain all medical records to support your claim.
- Get contact info from any witnesses and gather evidence from the scene.
- Contact our experienced lawyers for injured police officers right away. Having early legal guidance is critical.
- Focus on your recovery and let your lawyer handle communications with insurers and required paperwork.
- Be cautious about social media posts, which insurers can use against you. Let your lawyer be your voice.
How Our Work Injury Attorneys Can Help Owings Mills Officers
A workplace injury claim for an injured law enforcement officer can be more challenging than it should be. Hiring our experienced attorneys to handle your claim can remove a significant amount of uncertainty and stress from the equation. The Maryland workers’ compensation lawyers at the law firm of Cohen & Dwin, P.A., can optimize your chances of a successful police injury compensation claim by:
- Investigating the incident that led to your injuries
- Determining whether any third parties bear liability for your injuries and pursuing potential personal injury claims
- Calculating the full value of your injury-related losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair compensation package
- Filing an appeal if your initial workers’ compensation claim is rejected or undervalued
Our lawyers have many decades of experience successfully securing compensation for injured people. We are ready to put our skills and knowledge to work for you, too.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.